What is Combination Feeding?
The aim of a parent is always to make the best choices for their child, which includes the feeding process. Many parents are faced with a choice between the optimal benefits of breast milk and the practicality of formula. After all, breastfeeding is not an option or a desire for some mothers. However, there is one option that simply isn’t talked about enough…
Combination feeding!
Yes, as the name suggests, combination feeding is a mixture of breastfeeding and using formula. It combines all the natural goodness of breastfeeding with the practicality of formula feeding, ensuring your baby gets the best of both worlds.
What are the main benefits?
- Using combination feeding allows your partner to feel more involved in the process, even if they are unable to offer up a breast.
- Combination feeding allows Mom to get some rest, without your child missing out on a feed.
- Mom doesn’t have to pump as much as work – making this less stressful and more practical.
- If Mom struggles to produce enough milk, you don’t have to worry – the formula is always there to help out.
How to combination feed –
There really is no one way to combination feed. It’s up to you to determine what kind of combination works best for you. You could alternate between formula and breastfeeding for each feed. You could match certain times of the day with breastfeeding or formula. You can even take your formula and your breastmilk and mix them together to feed your child a ratio meal from the bottle. Some people like to breastfeed whenever they can, but have a bottle for emergencies, such as babysitters or late-night feeds. It’s all about finding what’s best for you.
What is the best formula to use with combination feeding?
There is often a worry among parents that children will prefer one or the other if you keep swapping from formula to breast milk. After all, it is a problem if your baby starts to reject one or the other. As such, it is always best to use a formula that closely mimics natural breast milk.
Fortunately, we have some options for you below:
Holle Bio Stage PRE Organic Infant Milk Formula
This is a great formula to use in combination with breastmilk, as the latter contains added probiotics but the former does not. It can be used from your baby’s birth and meets the certifications set by Demeter for organic products. There is no starch, no added colors or flavors, no maltodextrin, and no GMO. It uses whole milk that contains good fat rather than vegetable oil additives. In short, a whole lot of good nutrition!
HiPP Bio Combiotik Infant Milk Formula
This formula uses organic skim milk, closely mimicking the natural lactic acid bacteria, probiotics, and prebiotics in breast milk. It contains no gluten, no GMO, no synthetic preservatives, no maltodextrin, and no starch. It provides a whole lot of nutrition for your child with DHA, Omega 6s, Omega 3s, and a variety of additional nutrients and vitamins. It even adheres to the stringent European organic standards.
Holle Goat Stage 1 (0-6 months) Organic Infant Milk Formula
Holle uses organic goat’s milk to create this formula, which is perfect for children who don’t get on well with cow’s milk. The proteins are smaller in goat’s milk, meaning they are easier to digest, just like the proteins in breast milk. This formula has no added colors, flavors, chemicals, or preservatives. It also has no soy and no GMO. It meets the stringent European organic standards and can be used from day one.
Final thoughts
Remember, it really is about what’s best for you when it comes to creating your own combination plan. However, European formula is always a better and more reliable option than US products.